Referee Adebayo Qudus has been suspended indefinitely by the Nigeria Football Federation after controversial decisions during a Nigeria National League fixture between Gateway United and Sporting Lagos on Saturday.
The NFF Refereeing Development Committee, in a letter obtained by the media, cited Qudus’ conduct in the matchday 19 encounter as a breach of the Laws of the Game.
He was found guilty by the committee for awarding “an unjustified penalty” to Gateway United, alongside “several other decisions” that undermined the integrity of refereeing.
According to the letter sent through the Oyo State Football Association, the committee stated that the referee’s actions not only compromised the principles of fair play but also brought the game into disrepute.
“Your actions and performances did not only negatively affect the integrity of refereeing, but equally brought the game to disrepute,” the letter read.
“I am therefore directed to notify you that you have been suspended indefinitely and with immediate effect from refereeing entirely.”
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The match at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode ended 2–1 in favour of Gateway United, but it was overshadowed by several questionable calls.
Sporting Lagos striker Seun Akanji had a goal disallowed despite the assistant referee signalling for a goal by running back to the centre circle. Akanji was then booked by Qudus.
Shortly afterwards, Akanji scored again, but the referee blew the whistle mid-play and issued a second yellow card, resulting in a red. At no point did the assistant referee flag for offside in either incident.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
